Woody Species Diversity, Vegetation Structure, and Regeneration Status of the Moist Afromontane Forest of Agama in Southwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was conducted in Agama Forest in Kafa Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia, to assess species diversity, vegetation structure, and regeneration status of woody species. A systematic sampling technique was employed to collect vegetation data. Sixty (60) sample plots of 25 m × 25 m were laid at 300 m intervals all along ten grids interspaced 800 m apart. Sample plots of 25 m × 25 m were used to record DBH and H of all woody plant species reaching a DBH >2.5 cm and height >2 m. For the inventory of seedling and sapling, two subplots of 2 m × 5 m were used at the beginning and the end of the baseline on opposite sides of the main quadrat. Vegetation data such as DBH, height, seedling, and sapling density of woody species were recorded in each plot. Altogether, 72 woody plant species of 65 genera and 35 families were identified. Analysis of selected tree species showed diverse population structures. This study showed that small trees and shrubs dominated the Agama Forest, which revealed its status under a secondary regeneration stage. Study on the structure and regeneration of some woody species indicated that there are species that require urgent conservation measures. Sound management and monitoring, as well as maintenance of biodiversity and cultural and economic values of the forest, require conservation activities that encourage sustainable uses of the forest and its products.

WITHDRAWN: Effects of Landscape Change on Floristic Composition and Structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia

“…The overall Shannon diversity and evenness index were 4.34 and 0.81, respectively and this was higher relative to other similar areas such as Bonga forest (Senbeta et al 2014), Agama forest (Dibaba et al 2020), and Munessa forest (Ahmedin and Elias 2020) ( Table 1). The Shannon diversity index of the edge habitat (4.16) was signi cantly higher compared to the interior (3.69) at p < 0.05 and the mean value was 2.93 ± 0.2 and 2.43 ± 0.4, respectively.…”

“…The ratio of stem density with DBH > 10 cm to those with DBH > 20 cm was 1.19. This ratio was lesser compared with other vegetation areas such as Masha forest (Assefa, Demissew, and Woldu 2014), Belete forest (Gebrehiwot and Hundera 2014), and Agama forest (Dibaba et al 2020). This value in the edge habitat was 320.31 stems ha -1 and it was 451.56 stems ha -1 in the interior habitat.…”

“…The density of all woody species with DBH > 2 cm in BMNP was 1567 individuals ha -1 . This was relatively higher compared to Wof-Washa Forest (Ayalew 2018), Munessa forest (Ahmedin and Elias 2020), and Agama forest (Dibaba et al 2020). The ratio of stem density with DBH > 10 cm to those with DBH > 20 cm was 1.19.…”

WITHDRAWN: The Effects of Landscape Change on Plant Diversity and Structure in the Bale Mountains National Park, Southeastern Ethiopia

“…The overall Shannon diversity and evenness index of the study area were 4.34 and 0.81, respectively. This was higher relative to other similar areas such as Bonga forest (Senbeta et al 2014), Agama forest (Dibaba et al 2020), and Munessa forest (Ahmedin and Elias 2020). Conversely, the total density of seedlings, saplings, and mature trees in the BMNP were 8751, 4413, and 1567 individuals ha -1 , respectively.…”

“…Woody species density with DBH > 2 cm was 1567 individuals ha -1 . This was relatively higher compared to other similar areas such as the Wof-Washa forest (Ayalew 2018) and Agama forest (Dibaba et al 2020). Croton macrostachyus Hochst.…”